We decided to take off and head to the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix for some hiking. It was early November and the weather in the Phoenix area had started to cool down so we thought it might be a great time to be out there before the holidays set in.
We usually like driving the back roads to any of our destinations even if it takes longer. It allows us a more casual drive along with some great scenery. We drove out through Fountains Hills and down to Apache Junction enjoying the very light traffic and the fabulous scenery.
Lost Dutchman State Park sits at the base of the Superstition Mountains in Apache Junction just to the east of Phoenix. The campground offers 138 campsites some with power and many without (dry camping). They have also recently added 5 cabins which look quaint and charming.
Campground: Lost Dutchman State Park
Location: Apache Junction, Arizona
Site: 38 (pull thru)
Cost: $26
Services: Dry camping
Comments: One of favorite campgrounds with great sites and great just-out-the-door hiking. There was a campfire ban on at the time and with the cooler temperatures we could have really used one but we understood and braved the cold!!
As I mentioned the State Park has recently added cabins so we had to check them out. They look very nice, have terrific views of the area, and offer electricity but no running water inside. There is a water spigot out back by the picnic table and campfire pit. The cabins have a queen bed and 2 bunk beds and you need to provide your own linens and towels. The restrooms are a short walk away.
The State Park has also added a dog park since we were last there and seemed quite popular with dog owners. We also saw a few base jumpers jump off the top of the mountain and float down and land successfully. We have no idea how they got all their stuff up to the top of the mountain but good for them!!
We enjoying the great hiking every day while we were there. We did not hike Flatiron as I am more of a hiker and not a mountain climber!!! We did watch hikers take on the challenge using our binoculars! One of our previous stays here we watched Search and Rescue rescue a injured hiker.
There are lots of legends and superstitions surrounding the Superstition Mountains. Supposedly a Lost Dutchman’s gold mine is hidden somewhere in the area worth about $200 million! No we did not find it but many have tried.
It is a lovely area and we have always enjoyed the state park and the great hiking trails.
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